Apparatus for programming recording of TV program and/or radio program and control method therefor

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for programming recording of a TV program and/or a radio program and a control method therefor performs displaying an analog clock; and displaying programmed recording information at a corresponding time position of the displayed analog clock in a superposed manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for programmingrecording of a TV program and/or a radio program and a control methodtherefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Two methods are mainly used for programming of a TV program. Oneis recording programming by a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) or the like,and the other is on-timer programming of a TV receiver.

[0003] For recording programming of a VCR, various manufacturers employvarious setting methods. As a general technique, the recording starttime and end time are set. A method of preventing a time setting erroris disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos.6-217219 and 7-193759. These references disclose a technique fordisplaying a set time on an analog clock. This makes the set time easyto see.

[0004] On-timer programming is a function of automatically turning on aset channel at time set by the user. When the TV is in a sleep mode (thedisplay and sound of the TV are OFF although the main power is ON), theTV is automatically powered on, and the set channel is turned on.

[0005] In on-timer programming, the time is generally set as a timeinterval from the current time. This is because the TV incorporates notimepiece function. Most TVs incorporate only a subtracting timer thatperforms countdown for a predetermined time.

[0006] In both the VCR recording programming and on-timer programming,the set contents are displayed on the TV screen by character displaycalled on-screen display (to be referred to as OSD hereinafter).

[0007] The above-described Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos.6-217219 and 7-193759 disclose a technique for making the set time easyto see but no technique for making the set contents themselves easy tosee. The set contents displayed by OSD include a set time and channelnumber. When the user wants to confirm setting or contents ofprogramming, he/she must separately recognize the set time and channelnumber. This causes a programming error.

[0008] Especially, when a plurality of programs have been programmed torecord, displaying the list of the pieces of programming information isinsufficient for ensuring good visibility. It is also time-consuming toconfirm the programming.

[0009] In digital broadcasting, the user can acquire programinformation. However, in the conventional list-type programming contentdisplay, the window display becomes complex if the program contentsshould also be displayed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to easily confirm theprogramming schedule to prevent any programming error.

[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention,preferably, the foregoing object is attained by providing an apparatusfor programming recording of a TV program and/or a radio program inaccordance with an instruction of a user, comprising: a display unitadapted to display an analog clock; and a control unit adapted todisplay programmed recording information at a corresponding timeposition of the displayed analog clock in a superposed manner.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention and, together with the descriptions, serve to explain theprinciple of the invention.

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a recordingprogramming apparatus according to the first embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a programming settingwindow;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow when programming has already been done;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow that represents another programming state;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a remote control deviceaccording to the embodiment;

[0019]FIGS. 6 and 7 are views showing examples of the programmingsetting window according to the first embodiment;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a programming settingwindow according to the second embodiment;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a view showing the programming setting window 1 hr afterthe time of the programming state shown in FIG. 8;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a recordingprogramming apparatus according to the third embodiment;

[0023]FIG. 11 is a view showing examples of switching patterns by aswitcher according to the third embodiment;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a programming settingwindow according to the third embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow in another form according to the third embodiment;

[0026]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a recordingprogramming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment;

[0027]FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a monthly programmingconfirmation window in the fourth embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a weekly programmingconfirmation window in the fourth embodiment;

[0029]FIG. 17 is a view showing another example of the weeklyprogramming confirmation window in the fourth embodiment;

[0030]FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a window according to thefifth embodiment in which program watching and programming confirmationcan simultaneously be executed; and

[0031]FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of a window in an indexdisplay mode according to the sixth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

[0032]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a recordingprogramming apparatus according to this embodiment. This recordingprogramming apparatus records a received TV broadcast program and canprogram to record it.

[0033] This recording programming apparatus is merely an example towhich the present invention is applied. The present invention can alsobe applied to a recording apparatus for recording, e.g., a radiobroadcast program. That is, the present invention can be applied to anapparatus for recording a TV program and/or a radio program.

[0034] Reference numeral 101 denotes a remote control device; 102, aphotoreceptor; 103, a programming controller; 104, a tuner; 105, an icongenerator; 106, a decoder; 107, a display controller; 108, a display;and 109, an antenna.

[0035] The remote control device 101 converts a user instruction intooptical data and transmits it to the photoreceptor 102.

[0036] The photoreceptor 102 converts the optical data into anelectrical signal and sends it to the programming controller 103.

[0037] In accordance with the user instruction, the programmingcontroller 103 outputs a tuning instruction to the tuner 104. When theuser instructs programming, pieces of programming information such as aset time and channel are sent to the icon generator 105. In addition,the set time is measured. At the set time, the programming controller103 outputs a tuning instruction to the tuner 104.

[0038] The icon generator 105 generates an icon of the programminginformation and sends the icon to the display controller 107.

[0039] The tuner 104 executes tuning in accordance with the tuninginstruction and receives a broadcast wave from the antenna 109. Thereceived data is sent to the decoder 106.

[0040] The decoder 106 decodes the received data and sends it to thedisplay controller 107.

[0041] The display controller 107 constructs the display window inaccordance with the display mode and sends the display data to thedisplay 108. When the display mode is a normal watching mode, thereceived data from the decoder 106 is directly displayed. When thedisplay mode is a programming setting mode, display data is generated onthe basis of the icon from the icon generator 105.

[0042] The display 108 displays the display data sent from the displaycontroller 107.

[0043]FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a programming settingwindow.

[0044] Reference numeral 201 denotes a programmed time indicator; 202, adate indicator; 203, a current time indicator; and 204, an icon.

[0045] The programmed time indicator 201 corresponds to the hour hand ofan analog clock and indicates “12:00” in FIG. 2.

[0046] The date indicator 202 indicates a date when recordingprogramming should be done. Since the analog clock indicator cannormally express only 12 hrs, “a.m.” or “p.m.” is also indicated by thedate indicator 202. Referring to FIG. 2, the date indicator 202indicates “a.m., September 11 (Wed)”.

[0047] The current time indicator 203 indicates the current date andtime.

[0048] The icon 204 is generated by the icon generator 105. Twelve icons204 are generated and arranged in correspondence with the numberportions of the respective times on the analog clock. Since noprogramming is executed yet in FIG. 2, all the 12 icons 204 are blank.

[0049] That is, FIG. 2 shows a window in which the current time is “7:00p.m., September 11 (Wed)”, and the programming indicator indicates“12:00 a.m., September 11 (Wed)”.

[0050]FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow when programming has already been done.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the programmed time indicator 201 indicates7:00. The date indicator 202 indicates “p.m., September 11 (Wed)”.Hence, the time (programmed time) when recording should start inaccordance with programming is “7:00 p.m., September 11 (Wed)”. Thedisplay color of the dial is changed between “a.m.” and “p.m.” indicatedby the date indicator 202, thereby increasing the visibility.

[0052] A programmed icon 305 represents a state wherein programming hasalready be completed. A programmed icon changes to a preset color. Withthis display, whether programming has already be done for the time canbe determined at a glance. The programmed icon has a channel number ofthe tuner for scheduled recording. The programmed icon 305 representsthat programming has been done for “1 hr from 7:00 p.m., September 11(Wed) on channel 8”. As described above, the programmed channel can alsobe discriminated only by checking the icon.

[0053] Each of programmed icons 306 and 307 also indicates a statewherein programming has already be completed. The programmed icons 306and 307 are located at the positions of 12:00 and 1:00, respectively.The same channel is programmed over two time zones adjacent to eachother. This represents that programming for 2 hrs is set. Hence, theprogrammed icons 306 and 307 indicate that programming has been done for“2 hrs from 12:00 p.m., September 11 (Wed) on channel 3”.

[0054]FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow that represents another programming state.

[0055] A programmed icon 401 represents programming for “channel 8 at7:00 p.m.” A programmed icon 402 represents programming for “channel 3at 12:00 p.m.” In this embodiment, the color for programmingconfirmation may be changed for each channel, as shown in FIG. 4. Thecolors can be set by the user in advance.

[0056] A programmed icon 403 has two, upper and lower layers, as shownin FIG. 4. Different numbers are indicated in the upper and lowerlayers. This represents two programming situations for “channel 10 from1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.” and “channel 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.” Whenan icon having a multilayered structure is used, programming for every30 min or every 15 min also becomes possible.

[0057]FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of the remote control device101.

[0058] Reference numeral 501 denotes a phototransmitter, 502, numerickeys; 503, cursor keys; 504, a dial; 505, rotating keys; 506, aprogramming window key; and 507, an enter key.

[0059] The phototransmitter 501 transmits, as optical data, theinstruction contents of the remote control device 101 by the useroperation to the photoreceptor 102.

[0060] The numeric keys 502 are mainly used to select a channel. On theprogramming setting window, the numeric keys 502 may be used asprogrammed time selection keys, i.e., means for directly inputting time.

[0061] The cursor keys 503 are mainly used to adjust the sound volume orselect a channel. On the programming setting window, the cursor keys 503may be used to move the cursor or as programmed time selection keys.

[0062] The dial 504 is used as a programmed time selection dial on theprogramming setting window. When this dial is rotated, the programmedtime indicator 201 on the programming setting window described in FIG. 2or 3 rotates like the hour hand of a clock so that the user can selectdesired time.

[0063] The rotating keys 505 are used as programmed time selection keyson the programming setting window. When these keys are pressed, theprogrammed time indicator 201 on the programming setting windowdescribed in FIG. 3 rotates like the hour hand of a clock so that theuser can select desired time. When the key on the left side is pressed,the indicator rotates clockwise. When the key on the right side ispressed, the indicator rotates counterclockwise.

[0064] The operation on the programming setting window can beimplemented by one or a plurality of keys.

[0065] The programming window key 506 switches the display mode. In thewatching mode, a received program is displayed (program watchingwindow). In programming setting mode, the programming setting window isdisplayed. Every time this key is pressed, the program watching windowand programming setting window are switched.

[0066] The enter key 507 decides setting on the programming settingwindow. When time and channel are selected by the keys 501 to 503 and505 or the dial 504, and the enter key 507 is pressed, the selected timeand channel are decided.

[0067]FIGS. 6 and 7 show examples of the programming setting window inactual programming.

[0068] When a user who is watching TV broadcasting presses theprogramming window key 506, the program watching window switches to theprogramming setting window shown in FIG. 2.

[0069] The time indicator 201 and date indicator 202 are operated by theremote control device 101 to indicate the desired date/time forprogramming.

[0070] Assume that the user wants to make programming at “9:00 p.m.,September 11 (Wed)”, as shown in FIG. 6. Even for programming for 9:15or 9:30, the programmed time indicator is set to the position of 9:00.

[0071] When the enter key 507 is pressed, the window shown in FIG. 7 isdisplayed to open a programming window 70. Finer time setting andchannel setting are done on the programming window 70. When programinformation can be acquired like digital broadcasting, the programcontents can also be displayed in the programming window. The size anddisplay position of the programming window can be set by the user inadvance. Full screen display can also be done by setting.

[0072] According to the above-described first embodiment, the programmedtime indicator 201 corresponding to the hour hand of an analog clockindicates the programmed time. Programmed recording information (e.g.,the channel number) is displayed at the position of the programmed timeon the analog clock. Accordingly, the user can confirm the programmedtime and other information related to that programming at a glance.

Second Embodiment

[0073] In this embodiment, an example of a programming setting windowwhen the apparatus incorporates no timepiece function will be described.

[0074]FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow according to the second embodiment.

[0075] In this example, since the apparatus incorporates no timepiecefunction, only on-time programming by a subtracting timer is possible.In on-time programming, the start point is set at 12:00 on the analogclock. An icon 81 at the position of 12:00 indicates the number ofchannel currently received by the tuner. An icon 82 at the position of1:00 indicates the programming contents (channel number) after 1 hr fromthe current time. An icon 83 at the position of 2:00 indicates theprogramming contents (channel number) after 2 hrs from the current time.An icon 84 at the position of 3:00 indicates the programming contents(channel number) after 3 hrs from the current time. An icon 85 at theposition of 4:00 indicates the programming contents (channel number)after 4 hrs from the current time.

[0076] That is, the window shown in FIG. 8 represents that “channel 7 iscurrently being received, channel 3 is programmed 1 hr later, channel 10is programmed 2 hrs later, channel 6 is programmed 3 hrs later, andchannel 12 is programmed 4 hrs later”. At this time, the time zones withprogramming are distinguished by colors so that the user can know thetime zones with programming at a glance. In addition, the color ofprogrammed icon is changed for each programmed channel to increase thevisibility. This programming setting allows to make a program recordingschedule 11 hrs in advance.

[0077]FIG. 9 is a view showing the programming setting window 1 hr afterthe time of the programming state shown in FIG. 8.

[0078] Since 1 hr has elapsed, the current reception channel (channel 7)changes to channel 3 that is programmed. Accordingly, the programmingtimes are sequentially shifted toward the start point (the position of12:00).

[0079] Even in on-time programming, the programming setting windowdisplay of this embodiment can express the programmed channel and time.

Third Embodiment

[0080] In this embodiment, a case wherein the apparatus has a pluralityof tuners and a case wherein program information can be acquired indigital broadcasting will be described.

[0081]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a recordingprogramming apparatus according to this embodiment. The same referencenumerals as in the recording programming apparatus according to thefirst embodiment shown in FIG. 1 denote the same constituent elements inFIG. 10, and a description thereof will be omitted. Differentconstituent elements will be described below.

[0082] The recording programming apparatus shown in FIG. 10 has firstand second tuners 104 a and 104 b connected to a programming controller103. The first and second tuners 104 a and 104 b are connected to firstand second decoders 106 a and 106 b, respectively. The outputs from thefirst and second decoders 106 a and 106 b are connected to an icongenerator 105 and switcher 110. First and second recorder 111 and 112are connected to the switcher 110. The output from the switcher 110 isconnected to a display controller 107.

[0083] The first tuner 104 a executes tuning in accordance with a tuninginstruction and receives a broadcasting wave from an antenna 109. Thereceived data is sent to the first decoder 106 a.

[0084] The second tuner 104 b also executes tuning in accordance with atuning instruction and receives a broadcasting wave from the antenna109. The received data is sent to the second decoder 106 b.

[0085] Each of the first and second decoders 106 a and 106 b decodes theinput received data and sends the decoded data to the switcher 110. Whenprogram information is acquired, it is sent to the icon generator 105.

[0086] The icon generator 105 generates an icon of programminginformation. When program information is acquired from the first decoder106 a or second decoder 106 b, an icon is generated for the combinationof the program information and programming information. A thus generatedicon is sent to the display controller 107.

[0087] In accordance with a user instruction from a remote controldevice 101, the switcher 110 selectively outputs the received data fromthe first and second decoders 106 a and 106 b to one of the displaycontroller 107, first recorder (e.g., a VCR) 111, and second recorder(e.g., a hard disk recorder) 112. In this embodiment, since two tunersand two recorders are present, some switching patterns can be realizedby the switching operation of the switcher 110.

[0088]FIG. 11 shows examples of switching patterns by the switcher 100.

[0089] In Example 1, switching control is executed such that receiveddata from the first tuner 104 a is output to the display 108 through thedisplay controller 107 while received data from the second tuner 104 bis output to the first recorder 111.

[0090] In Example 2, switching control is executed such that receiveddata from the first tuner 104 a is output to the first recorder 111while recorded data from the second recorder 112 is output to thedisplay 108 through the display controller 107.

[0091] In Example 3, switching control is executed such that receiveddata from the first tuner 104 a is output to the first recorder 111while received data from the second tuner 104 b is output to the secondrecorder 112 and also output to the display 108 through the displaycontroller 107.

[0092] Various combinations are available in addition to theabove-described examples.

[0093] The display controller 107 constructs the display window inaccordance with the display mode and sends the display data to thedisplay 108. When the display mode is a normal watching mode, thereceived data from the switcher 110 is directly displayed. When thedisplay mode is a programming setting mode, display data is generated onthe basis of the icon from the icon generator 105.

[0094] The display 108 displays the display data sent from the displaycontroller 107.

[0095]FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow according to this embodiment.

[0096] Reference numeral 1201 denotes a programmed time indicator; 1202,a date indicator; 1203, a current time indicator; 1204, a tunerindicator; 1205, a first recorder icon; 1206, a second recorder icon;1207, a programmed icon; and 1208, a programmed icon.

[0097] The programmed time indicator 1201 represents the hour hand of ananalog clock and indicates “9:00” in FIG. 12.

[0098] The date indicator 1202 represents a date for programming.Referring to FIG. 12, the date indicator indicates “a.m., September 11(Wed)”.

[0099] The current time indicator 1203 indicates the current date andtime and “7:01 a.m., September 11 (Wed)” in FIG. 12.

[0100] The tuner indicator 1204 indicates the tuner that is currentlyselected. Referring to FIG. 12, “tuner 1” is displayed, which indicatesthat the first tuner 104 a is selected.

[0101] The first recorder icon 1205 and second recorder icon 1206indicate the types of recorder. Referring to FIG. 12, the first recordericon 1205 indicates the VCR 111, and the second recorder icon 1206indicates the hard disk recorder 112. These icons are set in advance andcan be selected by the user when a recorder is connected. When deviceconnection is done by an interface such as IEEE 1394 that cantransmit/receive device information, the icon may be selectedautomatically.

[0102] The programmed icon 1207 is generated by the icon generator 105.The icon generator 105 generates the programmed icon 1207 on the basisof the programming information from the programming controller 103 andthe program information from the first decoder 106 a or second decoder106 b. Referring to FIG. 12, the programmed icon 1207 indicatesinformation “channel 8 is programmed at 7:00 p.m.; genre is “news””. Theicon generator 105 reads the genre of the program from the programinformation and generates the icon. The genre is indicated by characterinformation in FIG. 12. However, it may be indicated by graphicinformation selectable by the user in advance.

[0103] The programmed icons 1208 and 1209 are also generated by the icongenerator 105. Referring to FIG. 12, the programmed icons 1208 and 1209indicate information “channel 3 is programmed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00p.m.; genre is “drama””.

[0104]FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of the programming settingwindow in another form according to this embodiment.

[0105]FIG. 13 shows a window after the elapse of 8 hrs from the time ofthe programming setting window shown in FIG. 12. That is, it is a windowafter the programming of the programmed icon 1208, which has been doneat the time shown in FIG. 12, is executed. The current time indicatorindicates “3:01 p.m.” in FIG. 13. That is, eight hrs have elapsed from“7:01 a.m.” in FIG. 12. Accordingly, the programmed icons 1208 and 1209change to recorded icons 1308 and 1309. The recorded icons 1308 and 1309are also generated by the icon generator 105. The recorded icons 1308and 1309 may be indicated by either character information such as“recorded” or graphic information registered in advance. When the deviceused for recording is a device such as a hard disk recorder capable ofrandom scan, a scene corresponding to several seconds of the start ofthe program may be used as a moving image icon.

Fourth Embodiment

[0106] This embodiment allows to browse the list of programming contentsfor one week or one month. An arrangement in which program watching andprogramming confirmation can simultaneously be executed will also bedisclosed.

[0107]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a recordingprogramming apparatus according to this embodiment. The same referencenumerals as in the recording programming apparatus according to thefirst embodiment shown in FIG. 1 denote the same constituent elements inFIG. 14, and a description thereof will be omitted. Differentconstituent elements will be described below.

[0108] The recording programming apparatus shown in FIG. 14 has aprogramming confirmation window generator inserted between a displaycontroller 107 and a display 108 and a scaler 116 inserted between adecoder 106 and the display controller 107.

[0109] The decoder 106 decodes received data and sends it to the scaler116 as image data. The scaler 116 enlarges or reduces the image data inaccordance with the display mode by the user instruction and sends theimage data to the display controller 107.

[0110] The display controller 107 constructs the display window inaccordance with the display mode by the user instruction and sends thedisplay window to a programming confirmation window generator 115. Whenthe display mode is a normal watching mode, the image data from thescaler 116 is directly displayed. When the display mode is a programmingsetting mode, display data is generated on the basis of the icon from anicon generator 105.

[0111] The programming confirmation window generator 115 generates amonthly programming confirmation window and a weekly programmingconfirmation window on the basis of the display data from the displaycontroller 107. When a programming confirmation window displayinstruction is input by the user, the generated programming confirmationwindow is sent to the display 108. When no programming confirmationwindow display instruction is input, the display data sent from thedisplay controller 107 is directly sent to the display 108.

[0112]FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of the monthly programmingconfirmation window.

[0113] This programming confirmation window is displayed as a one-monthcalendar having a matrix of cells. The thumbnail image of a programmingsetting window shown in, e.g., FIG. 3 is displayed at a position withprogramming. FIG. 15 shows an example in which programming has been donefor September 10 (Wed). The indicator at this portion represents thatprogramming has been done for “12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.” onSeptember 10. The forenoon and afternoon can be distinguished by thedisplay color of the dial or cell.

[0114] Since the display is small and simple, the user cannot know whichchannels are programmed. To confirm detailed programming contents, theuser operates a remote control device 101 to move the cursor positionshown in FIG. 15 and presses the enter key. Accordingly, the displayswitches to the programming setting window of that date.

[0115]FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of a weekly programmingconfirmation window.

[0116]FIG. 16 shows an example in which programming has been done forSeptember 10 (Wed). At the portion representing “September 10”, an icongenerated by the programming confirmation window generator 115 on thebasis of a programming setting window shown in, e.g., FIG. 3 isdisplayed. This icon is generated by reducing and simplifying theprogramming setting window. In the example shown in FIG. 16, programminghas been done for “12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.” on September10. The forenoon and afternoon can be distinguished by the display colorof the dial or cell.

[0117] In addition, this icon is displayed larger than in the display ofthe monthly programming window shown in FIG. 15. Hence, the programmedchannel is also distinguished by the color for each channel, which isset by the user in advance. However, since the display is small andsimple, neither the channel number nor the genre is displayed. Toconfirm detailed programming contents, the user operates the remotecontrol device 101 to move the cursor position shown in FIG. 16 andpresses the enter key. Accordingly, the display switches to theprogramming setting window of that date.

[0118]FIG. 17 is a view showing another example of the weeklyprogramming confirmation window.

[0119]FIG. 17 shows an example in which programming has been done forSeptember 8 (Mon) and September 10 (Wed). When programming of one dayhas been done for both the forenoon and the afternoon, an icon for theforenoon and that for the afternoon are displayed in an overlappedstate, like the portion of September 8. In this case, as in FIG. 16,when the remote control device 101 is operated to move the cursor tothat date, and a key operation for icon switching is executed, the iconfor the forenoon or that for the afternoon can selectively be displayed.

[0120] These programming confirmation windows are effective not only inconfirming the programming contents but also as an approach means to theprogramming setting window in executing programming setting.

Fifth Embodiment

[0121]FIG. 18 shows an example of a window in which program watching andprogramming confirmation can simultaneously be executed.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 18, reference numeral 701 denotes a watchingwindow; 702, a current time icon; 703, a recorded icon; and 704, aprogrammed icon.

[0123] The watching window 701 displays a program that is currentlybeing broadcast. The watching window 701 can also display an alreadyrecorded program.

[0124] The current time icon 702 indicates the current time. Twelveicons are arranged around the watching window 701 and serve as the dialof an analog clock. An icon at a portion corresponding to the currenttime has a different shape to show that the time indicated by that iconis the current time. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the current timeicon indicates “7:00”.

[0125] When the program displayed in the watching window 701 is acurrently broadcast program, its channel number is displayed on thecurrent time icon 702. The current time icon 702 is displayed in a colorthat is set by the user for each channel in advance.

[0126] When the program displayed in the watching window 701 is arecorded program, not the channel number but “Video” or the like may bedisplayed.

[0127] The recorded icon 703 indicates a state wherein recording hasalready been ended. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the recorded iconindicates that program recording scheduled at “3:00” has been ended. Thethumbnail image of a scene-extracted from the program is displayed onthe recorded icon 703. The scene to be extracted can be set by the userin advance.

[0128] The programmed icon 704 indicates a state wherein programming hasbeen done. Time is indicated by the position of the icon. The programmedchannel is indicated by the number and display color in the icon. In theexample shown in FIG. 18, the programmed icon indicates that programmingfor “channel 8 at 10:00” has been done.

Sixth Embodiment

[0129]FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of a window in an indexdisplay mode. This mode can be used when a program is recorded in astorage device such as a hard disk that allows random access.

[0130] Reference numerals 801 to 812 denote index icons; 813, a modedisplay window; and 814, a time indicator.

[0131] The index icons 801 to 812 are generated by extracting one scenefrom a recorded program, causing-a scaler 116 to reduce the image, andcausing a display controller 107 to generate the icons. The positions ofthe icons correspond to the dial of an analog clock. The indices of aprogram for 1 hr can be displayed in this window.

[0132] The index icon 801 indicates the image at the start of therecorded program. The index icon 802 indicates the image 5 min after theimage of the index icon 801. The index icon 803 indicates the image 5min after the image of the index icon 802. The index icons aresequentially generated at an interval of 5 min.

[0133] The mode display window 813 indicates the current display mode.Since the example shown in FIG. 19 indicates the index display mode, themode display window indicates “index display”.

[0134] The time indicator 814 rotates like a hand of an analog clock. Itindicates 1 hr by one revolution, like the minute hand of a clock. Thetime indicator 814 is rotated by the user operation on the remotecontrol device 101. When the time indicator 814 indicates the index iconat the position desired by the user, he/she executes the determinationoperation. Then, full window display is done, and the recorded programis played back from the image of the index icon.

[0135] The time indicator 814 in FIG. 19 indicates the position after 30min. When the determination operation is executed at this point, therecorded program is played back from the image of the index icon 807 ina full window display mode.

[0136] In this way, the user can easily execute the programmingoperation while watching a broadcast program or recorded program.

[0137] As has been described above, according to the present invention,a plurality of pieces of programming information can easily be confirmedindependently of whether it is recording programming or on-timeprogramming. With this arrangement, any programming error that isconventionally caused by a human error can be prevented.

Other Embodiments

[0138] Note that the present invention can be applied to an apparatuscomprising a single device or to system constituted by a plurality ofdevices.

[0139] Furthermore, the invention can be implemented by supplying asoftware program, which implements the functions of the foregoingembodiments, directly or indirectly to a system or apparatus, readingthe supplied program code with a computer of the system or apparatus,and then executing the program code. In this case, so long as the systemor apparatus has the functions of the program, the mode ofimplementation need not rely upon a program.

[0140] Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention areimplemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer alsoimplements the present invention. In other words, the claims of thepresent invention also cover a computer program for the purpose ofimplementing the functions of the present invention.

[0141] In this case, so long as the system or apparatus has thefunctions of the program, the program may be executed in any form, suchas an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or scrip datasupplied to an operating system.

[0142] Example of storage media that can be used for supplying theprogram are a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, amagneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, anon-volatile type memory card, a ROM, and a DVD (DVD-ROM and a DVD-R).

[0143] As for the method of supplying the program, a client computer canbe connected to a website on the Internet using a browser of the clientcomputer, and the computer program of the present invention or anautomatically-installable compressed file of the program can bedownloaded to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Further, theprogram of the present invention can be supplied by dividing the programcode constituting the program into a plurality of files and downloadingthe files from different websites. In other words, a WWW (World WideWeb) server that downloads, to multiple users, the program files thatimplement the functions of the present invention by computer is alsocovered by the claims of the present invention.

[0144] It is also possible to encrypt and store the program of thepresent invention on a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distribute thestorage medium to users, allow users who meet certain requirements todownload decryption key information from a website via the Internet, andallow these users to decrypt the encrypted program by using the keyinformation, whereby the program is installed in the user computer.

[0145] Besides the cases where the aforementioned functions according tothe embodiments are implemented by executing the read program bycomputer, an operating system or the like running on the computer mayperform all or a part of the actual processing so that the functions ofthe foregoing embodiments can be implemented by this processing.

[0146] Furthermore, after the program read from the storage medium iswritten to a function expansion board inserted into the computer or to amemory provided in a function expansion unit connected to the computer,a CPU or the like mounted on the function expansion board or functionexpansion unit performs all or a part of the actual processing so thatthe functions of the foregoing embodiments can be implemented by thisprocessing.

[0147] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the presentinvention can be made without departing from the spirit and scopethereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for programming recording of a TVprogram and/or a radio program in accordance with an instruction of auser, comprising: a display unit adapted to display an analog clock; anda control unit adapted to display programmed recording information at acorresponding time position of the displayed analog clock in asuperposed manner.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a setting unit adapted to move an hour hand of the analogclock to a desired time position to set the time as recording operationtime.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control unitchanges a display color of a dial in accordance with the programmedrecording operation time is in the forenoon or afternoon.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control unit changes adisplay color of the recording information in accordance with contentsof the recording information.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the recording information contains at least one of a receivedchannel number and a genre of the program.
 6. A video recordingapparatus comprising an apparatus of claim
 1. 7. An apparatus forprogramming recording of a TV program and/or a radio program inaccordance with an instruction of a user, comprising: a unit adapted todisplay a calendar of a predetermined number of days; and a unit adaptedto display an analog clock having programmed recording informationdisplayed at a corresponding time position at a corresponding dateposition of the displayed calendar in a superposed manner.
 8. A videorecording apparatus comprising an apparatus of claim
 7. 9. A controlmethod for a programming apparatus for programming recording of a TVprogram and/or a radio program in accordance with an instruction of auser, comprising the steps of: displaying an analog clock; anddisplaying programmed recording information at a corresponding timeposition of the displayed analog clock in a superposed manner.
 10. Aprogram which controls a programming apparatus for programming recordingof a TV program and/or a radio program in accordance with an instructionof a user, the program executing the steps of: displaying an analogclock; and displaying programmed recording information at acorresponding time position of the displayed analog clock in asuperposed manner.